Harlequin, one of the world's leading publishers of books for women, will play a central role in an upcoming episode of The Bachelor, ABC's tremendously popular romance reality series. The episode will feature a special "group date" where the women pose for a Harlequin cover with the newest Bachelor, Sean Lowe . The contestant who shows the most spontaneity, flair and chemistry with Sean will be awarded a three-book cover-model opportunity with Harlequin. The episode is scheduled to air Monday, January 14, 2013, on ABC.

Sean and the competitors will experience what is required to be a successful Harlequin cover model. Harlequin Creative Director Margie Miller will shepherd the group through hair, makeup and wardrobe stages and then have them pose for multiple cover scenarios in a Los Angeles mansion. Each contestant will have an opportunity to impress Ms. Miller and Harlequin Brand Representative, Michelle Renaud , with their ability to pose in a polished and unaffectEd Manner and convey a genuine connection with Sean.

This season on The Bachelor, Sean, 29, the successful Dallas businessman and entrepreneur who charmed fans while wooing Bachelorette Emily Maynard, meets 26 potential soul mates and gets another shot at love as the Bachelor. Sean was blindsided in the Caribbean island of Curacao when Emily rejected him, and viewers saw the devastated Sean wrestling to make sense of her decision. Thankfully, Sean did not give up on his dream of love and he now knows with certainty that the time is right for him to risk it all again to try to find the right woman.

"What makes The Bachelor so compelling-searching for true love and ending up with your soul mate-is what our novels are all about. This is a real Harlequin story come to life," said Ms. Renaud. "And The Bachelor and Harlequin are a great fit, because people know both always have a happy ending."

The 17th season of The Bachelor, from Warner Horizon Television, airs Mondays 8:00 p.m./7:00 p.m. central on ABC. For more information on The Bachelor, visit abc.go.com/shows/the-bachelor.